For the first time since being established in 2022, Sublimity convened its Municipal Court to adjudicate a local fine for door-to-door soliciting without a business license.
On Oct. 27, Judge Gary Milliman heard a case involving Victor Esquivel, 21, of Salem, who had been cited for selling services on behalf of Bright Side Windows without a city business license.
Court is held as-needed and this was the first instance in almost four years that Milliman’s services became necessary, said City Recorder Myrna Harding. Sublimity established a municipal court in January of 2022 to handle local code enforcement issues.
According to Harding, Esquivel was observed selling door-to-door by city staff Sept. 22 and was advised to acquire a business license. Esquivel continued without a license and was cited by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Harding said the city had no reason to believe either Esquivel or Bright Side were engaged in illicit activities and the only issue was his lack of a license.
Esquivel was fined $500 for the infraction, of which $300 was paid to Milliman for his services as per a contract with the city. Milliman serves as judge for five rural cities, all of which share costs associated with his training and membership fees.
